The Home Office has today as of 3pm suspended all new applications under the refugee family reunion route. Announced by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on Monday, this change is part of a broader strategy to tackle the asylum backlog and reduce Channel crossings.
Below, Immigration Supervisor Mahfuz Ahmed breaks down the policy shift, its implications, and what you can do.
What were the previous rules under the refugee family reunion policy?
The policy previously allowed recognised refugees to bring close family members, typically spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners (with proof of a two-year relationship), or children under 18, to join them in the UK without the strict financial requirements of standard family visas. Unlike the general family migration scheme, which demands a minimum joint income of £29,000 per year, this route was designed as a safe, legal pathway for vulnerable families to reunite.
What is the new family reunion policy?
The Home Office has halted all new applications for the refugee family reunion route. Now, refugees must apply through the standard family visa scheme, which applies to British citizens and settled residents. This requires proving a minimum joint income of £29,000 per year to sponsor a partner. For many refugees, who often face economic challenges upon arrival, this financial threshold is a significant barrier. The suspension is temporary, with a new, stricter framework expected by spring, and more details to be outlined in an asylum statement later this year. If you have an application submitted before today’s cut off, it should proceed under the previous rules.
The government’s decision stems from pressures on the asylum system and public concerns about migration. Home Office statistics reveal that 20,817 family reunion visas were issued in the year ending June 2025, with 92% granted to women and children joining family members already recognised as refugees. Cooper highlighted that, unlike pre-pandemic times when refugees typically waited one to two years after receiving asylum to apply for family reunions, applications are now often filed within a month of approval, sometimes while refugees are still in temporary hotel accommodations. This rapid pace is straining local councils, contributing to homelessness pressures, and overwhelming asylum housing resources.
The suspension is a major blow for refugees hoping to reunite with loved ones. The old route was a lifeline, particularly for women and children escaping conflict or persecution, offering a safe and legal way to join family in the UK.
What happens now?
If you’re a refugee affected by this change, act quickly to understand your options. First, check the status of any existing family reunion applications, those submitted before 3 PM today should still be processed under the old rules, but verify with a solicitor to avoid delays. For new applications, you’ll need to navigate the standard family visa route, which requires detailed financial documentation, such as payslips, bank statements, or tax returns, to prove the £29,000 income threshold.
The suspension of the refugee family reunion route reflects the government’s attempt to balance asylum system reforms with public and political pressures. However, it risks leaving vulnerable families stranded. My advice is to stay informed and seek professional guidance.
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